Fuel cells can achieve cost parity with combustion engines using new commercial catalyst
COLUMBUS, OH — pH Matter (“the company”) is pleased to announce that its line of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell catalysts has achieved the Department of Energy (DOE) 2020 automotive targets for catalyst activity and durability.
The DOE 2020 targets were established to set metrics for automotive fuel cell material suppliers that would enable PEM fuel cells to match the cost of internal combustion engines. All fuel cells require catalysts to produce energy from hydrogen.
pH Matter’s CORCatTM catalyst line has achieved this milestone. It is based on a synthetic carbon support that is tailored for use in PEM fuel cells and verified by independent test partners.
PEM cell catalysts typically contain platinum, which contributes to the high cost of the systems. Dr. Paul Matter, pH Matter’s president and CEO said the CORCat line utilizes less platinum and this helps bring down cost.
“We think this is a significant target to achieve for the PEM fuel cell industry because it means the technology can now be produced at the same cost as combustion engines,” Matter said.
“As far as we know, this is the first commercially available catalyst independently verified to demonstrate the mass activity and drive cycle durability targets in a fuel cell. We still have work to do, but this is a big first step.”
Development of the material was funded by the Department of Energy’s Small Business Innovation Research program. The company already has capacity to produce tonnage quantities annually of its synthetic carbon materials and is preparing to scale catalyst production.
For more information or to request samples for testing contact info@phmatter.com.
About the Company
Founded in 2010 and located in Columbus, Ohio, pH Matter is a leading developer of new materials for electrochemical applications with particular expertise in engineered materials for fuel cells, batteries, and electrolysis. In conventional electrodes, carbon black developed for non-electrochemical applications is typically used. Although carbon black is low cost and electrically conductive, conventional carbon is not optimal for transportation of reactants, long-term binding of catalysts, or resistance to oxidation. pH Matter’s materials are optimized for important performance and durability attributes, thus reducing overall cell cost. Contact info@phmatter.com to learn more.
